World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observed

By ASSOCIATION OF SENIOR CITIZENS OF HYD

Hyderabad: The world elders abuse awareness day was observed on 15^th June at Lions Bhavan, Secunderabad, by Association of Senior Citizens of Hyderabad. .Prof.V. Visweswariah, President of the association and Secretary General of APSCCON, presided over the meeting. Addressing the meeting, he observed that the word “abused” stands for treating badly, speaking insultingly or exploiting one's weakness or ability. The abuse may be physical, mental or emotional. The day is observed for creating awareness among elders and the in society at large. According to a survey 30% of the families, in the country, abuse elders in one or the other way. He quoted a recent study, which revealed that women senior citizens do not have access to reasonable health care and are mute sufferers. It is truer of single old women such as widows and divorcees, who are often abused and ill treated for the sake of their assets and their property 

Sri.R.N.Mittal, chairman of the association, said elder abuse takes place not only in families but unfortunately also in old age homes, nursing homes and sometimes even by the community. The unfortunate part of this situation is that is grossly under reported. More than 80% of the cases of abuse are hidden under a shroud of secrecy to protect family prestige. Senior citizens, especially those living alone, become soft targets for criminal events. They also become victims of fraudulent dealings and physical and emotional abuse within the household by their own family members. 

                      

During his speech, PVG Krishna Murthy explained that most developed countries have written guidelines for caring for the age and preventing elder abuse and have good social schemes and run a network of homes for senior citizens.

Sri.Nageswar Rao expressed his anguish that we did not have even a national policy for senior citizens till 1999. “The plan of action has been prepared by the Central government. The State governments have been asked to have their own plan and implement it. The plan is quite good and well documented but the budget allocation remains the prime problem as there is no political will to implement the same. The government thinks that senior citizens should unite and demand the implementation of the plan” said Mr. Rao.

                        

Speaking in the meeting Sri Pothamsetty, secretary of association, said  “APSCCON has been representing the State government to extend AAROGYASRI to APL category, payment of old age pension of Rs. 400 to BPL category senior citizens instead of Rs. 200 now paid and 50% concession for senior citizens in State Road Transport Corporation. But, unfortunately, our demands are ignored. It is the same situation in most of the states. Therefore, it was decided to observe Protest Day on August 16, 2010, against the indifference of Central and State governments in solving the problems of senior citizens”. Sri.Pothamsetty pleaded for participation in large numbers on Protest Day. Sri.C.S. Gopalakrishna proposed a vote of thanks.

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

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